Senate overwhelmingly strikes down AI regulation moratorium in budget bill

In the United States, the Senate voted early on July 1, 2025, to eliminate a controversial provision in a significant domestic policy bill that sought to impose a 10-year moratorium on state regulations regarding artificial intelligence. The vote was nearly unanimous, at 99-1, following extensive criticism from both Republican and Democratic officials, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens who viewed the provision as detrimental to public safety. Critics emphasized that a delay in state-level regulations would prevent necessary accountability measures for AI, particularly in dealing with emerging issues such as biased algorithms, misinformation, and risks to children. Initially, the measure was included in President Donald Trump's expansive budget proposal, which aimed to deliver substantial tax breaks and spending cuts. Proponents of the AI moratorium asserted that a uniform federal standard was necessary for the rapidly evolving tech landscape to prevent a muddled patchwork of inconsistent state regulations. However, many lawmakers and advocates argued that the lack of regulatory measures would benefit large tech companies at the expense of local governance, consumer protection, and accountability. In response to mounting pressure, a bipartisan coalition came together to oppose the moratorium during the Senate's ongoing vote-a-rama, a process allowing numerous amendments to be debated and voted upon in marathon sessions. The amendment to remove the moratorium was co-sponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, and Maria Cantwell, a Democrat from Washington, showcasing uncommon bipartisan cooperation on the issue. Lawmakers asserted that it was essential for states to remain able to enact regulations tailored to their specific needs, particularly as AI technology presents new challenges that can harm individuals and communities. Supporters of the vote against the moratorium celebrated the result as a victory for public safety and accountability, stating that local legislatures across the country need to act swiftly in addressing the ramifications of AI. With nearly 100 state laws protecting citizens from potential AI-related harms now remaining in effect, the defeat of the moratorium signifies an important step toward establishing a responsible framework for the regulation of artificial intelligence in the United States. This action illustrates that while there is a need for comprehensive oversight of AI, local governments must have the authority to protect their residents from potentially hazardous technologies without being hampered by federal inaction.